Adesanya has been booked for a October 5th fight with the middleweight champ, after winning the interim belt this past April, by defeating Kelvin Gastelum. Recently Costa spoke with MMA Junkie, and while discussing the UFC 243 headliner, the Brazilian contender said this:

“Robert is a more complete fighter than Israel,” Costa said. “I think Robert will still be champion. He will defeat the fake champion, Israel. I think Robert will win by judges’ decision.”

“It started months ago when he called me out to fight against him,” Costa said. “I do not like him because he talks a lot of (expletive) about everybody. I want to show everybody how fragile he is.”

Costa (13-0) is coming off a tightly contested, decision win over Yoel Romero last month, and is expected to face the winner of Whittaker – Adesanya.